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Contact: Juliana French-Arnold; Trinchero Family Estates
707-963-5928 ex. 2610; [email protected]
**For Release at 9 a.m. EST on January 21, 2009**
Trinchero Family Estates Completes Installation of Solar Energy Systems at New
State-of-the-Art Winemaking Facilities
Innovative New Winery Includes Solar Arrays and Infrastructure, thus Reducing
Installation Costs in the Near-Term, and Electricity Bills and Environmental Impact in
the Long-Term
January 21, 2009. St. Helena, Calif.>> Trinchero Family Estates has completed the
installation of a $5.3 million photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system at its new state-ofthe-art winemaking facility in Lodi and nearby vineyard in Clements, Calif. The new
systems were an investment from the outset of the facility construction, and are
specifically designed to help power the Lodi winemaking facility and power the irrigation
pumps at its Clements vineyard. The solar systems are representative of Trinchero
Family Estates’ pioneering and continual efforts to be environmentally and economically
sustainable.
Combined, the PV arrays at the two sites will generate approximately 1.1 million
kilowatt-hours of electricity—enough to meet the annual needs of approximately 2,034
California homes. This system exemplifies Trinchero Family Estates’ initiatives to reduce
using traditional energy sources and harness natural, renewable power sources. The PV
solar energy systems produce zero emissions and because the solar arrays are part of the
original building design, the systems required no additional construction, thus greatly
reducing labor costs by streamlining the overall building process.
“When we launched the construction of the Lodi facility, sustainability and
environmental conservation were the focal points of the design,” said Bob Torres,
Principal and Senior Vice President of Operations. “We strive to be environmental
pioneers and aim to set industry standards in sustainable farming, waste reduction, water
conservation, recycling and energy efficiency. We hope that other industry leaders can
see the short and long term benefits of these systems and incorporate green initiatives into
their winemaking practices as well.”
Premier Power led the development, permitting design, construction, and
commissioning of the project, which started in June and was completed last month. At the
new, highly automated winemaking facility in Lodi, PV systems were installed on the
rooftops of all three buildings. The PV solar system at the Clements vineyard is designed
to offset 100 percent of the facility’s electric bill for two pump meters used to move
water in and out of an irrigation pond.
The Trinchero Family’s ongoing sustainability efforts integrate environmentally
conscientious practices throughout winemaking and company operations. The company
has been honored for eight consecutive years by the California Integrated Waste
Management Board with the Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP). Trinchero
Family Estates’ continuing environmental programs include sustainable vineyard
practices, recycled water usage, development of earth-friendly wine packaging materials,
and recycling programs. Trinchero Family Estates is a member of the national Climate
Wise Program, an EPA-sponsored organization that promotes the reduction of
greenhouse gases.
Trinchero Family Estates is wholly owned and operated by the Trinchero family, Napa
Valley vintners since 1948. The company produces more than 23 brands of wine
including Sutter Home, Trinchero Napa Valley, Napa Cellars, Terra d’Oro, Montevina,
Trinity Oaks, Folie à Deux, Ménage à Trois, and the number one alcohol-removed wine,
Fre. They also import Angove Vineyards and Little Boomey wines of Australia, and
market and sell the Three Thieves and Bandit brands.